ABTA has pledged to support its European sister associations who have lodged a formal complaint against Lufthansa’s new GDS fee with the European Commission.
ECTAA – The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations – has filed the complaint with the EU Commission Directorate General for Mobility and Transport, claiming Lufthansa is breaching the GDS code of conduct under EU
regulations.
It is also further pursuing legal investigations to see whether the €16 charge infringes European competition rules.
"As well as increasing prices for consumers, the new charge could put travel agents at a competitive disadvantage," said ABTA.
"Lufthansa’s 2 June announcement was made without any prior consultation and represents a step backwards for IATA Agents moving away from easy connectivity, transparency and comparability of integral systems, resulting in additional time and cost to make bookings.
"ABTA will continue to work with its members to keep them informed of any developments"
